D O N

Job description

About the Role:
Our Director of Nursing (DON) is a pivotal leadership position responsible for overseeing the nursing department within our Inpatient behavioral health facility located in Bunkie, LA. This role ensures the delivery of high-quality patient care by managing nursing staff, developing and implementing nursing policies, and maintaining compliance with healthcare regulations. The DON collaborates with interdisciplinary teams to enhance patient outcomes and operational efficiency. They are also responsible for budgeting, staffing, and professional development of the nursing team. Ultimately, our DON drives the strategic vision for nursing services to support the facility’s mission and goals.
Minimum Qualifications:
• Current and valid Registered Nurse (RN) license in the state of Louisiana.
• Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree or higher.
• Minimum of 5 years of direct clinical nursing experience with working with mentally ill patients, with at least 2 years in a supervisory or management role.
• Strong knowledge of healthcare regulations, nursing standards, and patient care protocols.
• Proven leadership and communication skills.

Preferred Qualifications:
• Master’s degree in Nursing, Healthcare Administration, or related field.
• Experience working in long-term care or skilled nursing facilities.
• Certification in Nursing Administration (e.g., CNML, NE-BC).
• Familiarity with electronic health records (EHR) systems and healthcare technology.
• Demonstrated success in quality improvement initiatives.

Responsibilities:
• Lead and manage the nursing staff to ensure effective and compassionate patient care.
• Develop, implement, and monitor nursing policies and procedures in compliance with state and federal regulations.
• Coordinate with other healthcare professionals to optimize patient care plans and outcomes.
• Oversee staffing schedules, recruitment, and training programs to maintain a skilled and motivated nursing team.
• Manage departmental budgets and resources to ensure efficient operation of nursing services.
• Conduct performance evaluations and provide ongoing professional development opportunities for nursing staff.
• Ensure accurate documentation and reporting of patient care activities and regulatory compliance.
• Respond to patient and family concerns promptly and effectively to maintain high satisfaction levels.

Skills:
Our Director of Nursing utilizes strong leadership and organizational skills daily to manage nursing teams and ensure smooth operations within the department. Effective communication skills are essential for collaborating with healthcare professionals, patients, and families to deliver coordinated care. Critical thinking and problem-solving abilities are applied to address clinical and administrative challenges promptly. Knowledge of healthcare regulations and nursing best practices guides the development and enforcement of policies that maintain compliance and quality standards. Additionally, proficiency with healthcare technology and data management supports accurate documentation and informed decision-making.